Hi, you may be wondering, what is IEP? The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is when people can enroll in Medicare for the first time. The IEP starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65. IEP is timeline set by the federal government when people can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. Part A and Part B are the hospital insurance and medical insurance parts of Medicare, respectively.

People who are already on Social Security at 65 will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. But, people who are not on Social Security at 65 will need to enroll in Medicare during their IEP. It is important for individuals to enroll in Medicare during their IEP to ensure that they have coverage when they need it. If an individual misses their IEP, they may have to wait until the next enrollment period to enroll in Medicare, and they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. There are several ways to enroll in Medicare during the IEP, which are online through the Social Security website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. It is quicker and easier to apply online.

Once you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can also enroll in a Medicare Supplement and a Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan during your IEP. Medicare Advantage plans are private health plans regulated by Medicare and are an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Prescription Drug Plans are separate prescription drug plans that can be added to Original Medicare or some Medicare Advantage Plans or a Medicare Supplement Plan to provide prescription drug coverage.

So, the IEP is when you can enroll in Medicare for the first time. It starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65. Importantly, people to need to enroll in Medicare during their IEP to ensure that they have coverage when they need it, unless they have other coverage that is more suitable for their situation. Additionally, beyond enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B people can also enroll in additional coverage such as Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans and/or Medicare Part D prescription drug plans during their IEP. Let us know if you have any questions. You can also check out your options below.